A man in a tracksuit sexually assaulted a 31-year-old woman in a Stockton park.

Police say the attack could be linked to other sex assaults that have taken place in the area.

The woman was walking alone through Ropner Park in Stockton close to the pond on Monday at around 5pm.

She was approached from behind by a man, who looked like a jogger, who indecently assaulted her and then ran off in the direction of Hartburn Avenue.

He is described as white, in his late 30s to early 40s, slim to medium build and was wearing a blue tracksuit and white trainers.

Police would like to hear from anyone in the park at the time who may have seen the man or who recognise his description.

Detectives have identified there have been other assaults in the area, the latest on May 19, but are keeping an open mind as to whether they are linked.

Contact Detective Sergeant Michael Todd on 01624 302226.

‘HOODIE’ ROBS PENSIONER

A young “hoodie” who targeted an elderly woman is being hunted by detectives on Teesside.

The 74-year-old victim was walking in St George’s Road, Grangetown, after visiting the nearby Spar shop when the robber struck at 11.50am on Tuesday.

He emerged from the area of St George’s Bungalows and pushed her to the ground. He then stole her grey shopping bag containing about £100 and personal items before running back to the vicinity of St George’s Bungalows.

She was left extremely distressed but didn’t require treatment.

The thug police want is aged 15-20, slim, and he wore a shiny grey hooded top.

Call Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Theaker on 01642 302626 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information.

MURDERER’S RELEASE HOPES QUASHED

An “extremely dangerous” murderer who knifed to death an innocent Teesside father-of-six can have no hope of release before 2018.

Mark Anthony Richardson died outside his home in Stockton after he encountered David Worton and his brother John who were chasing a terrified 17-year-old.

The brothers harried the teenager, Christopher Bousfield, into Mr Richardson’s home, and, when the family man stepped outside to see what was happening, he was savagely stabbed to death.

When his wife Carol came back to the Raleigh Road family home after spending the evening of April 21, 2002, playing bingo, she found her husband on the pavement bleeding to death.

David Worton, then 42, of St Mary’s Close, Stockton, was convicted of murder at Teesside Crown Court in December 2002 and jailed for life.

His 43-year-old brother, of Thornaby, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.

David Worton was also given 12 years for wounding Mr Bousfield who was also knifed.

And today after reviewing the case at London’s Royal Courts of Justice, top judge, Mr Justice Gross ruled David Worton must serve a minimum jail “tariff” of 16 years for his crime.

The judge spoke of “the savagery of Worton’s attack” on “an innocent householder” which happened as “a sequel to an unjustified and sustained knife attack” on Mr Bousfield.

He added that had Worton committed the crime today he would probably have received an even longer minimum jail term under tougher sentencing guidelines now in force.

The ruling means that even after time spent on remand is taken into account Worton cannot apply for parole until 2018.